General English at Murdoch College is designed for students who want to improve their everyday English communication skills before further study, work or living in Australia. The course focuses on the four core language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Classes are taught by qualified and experienced English-language teachers in a small-class environment.

Key benefits include:

• Develops practical English for everyday communication.
• Improves reading, writing, listening and speaking.
• Helps students communicate with greater confidence.
• Can prepare students for further academic study in Australia.
• Provides a flexible study duration from 5 to 52 weeks.
• Offers multiple starting dates throughout the year.
• Students without a recognised English test result can undertake Murdoch College's free internal English-language testing. 

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

General English is organised around development of the four core language skills:

• Reading
• Writing
• Listening
• Speaking.

The programme focuses on practical English communication and preparation for further study.

Typical learning areas include:

• Everyday communication
• Spoken English
• Listening comprehension
• Reading comprehension
• Written communication
• Vocabulary development
• Grammar and language accuracy
• Fluency and confidence
• Communication in everyday Australian contexts.

Disciplines / Specialisations

General English does not have academic disciplines or formal specialisations.

The programme is focused on general English-language development rather than a specific professional field.

Specialisations: Not publicly specified – please confirm with IPU.

For students intending to continue to university study, Murdoch College also offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP), which is specifically designed around academic communication and university study skills.

Programme Highlights

• CRICOS code: 069099C.
• Delivered at Murdoch University's Perth campus.
• 5-week study blocks.
• Duration from 5 to 52 weeks.
• Multiple intakes throughout the year.
• Small-class learning environment.
• Focus on reading, writing, listening and speaking.
• Suitable for students with IELTS below 5.0.
• Free internal English testing is available for students without recognised English test results.

Career Outcomes

General English is not a vocational or professional qualification, so it does not lead directly to a specific occupation.

The main outcomes are improved English communication skills that can support:

• Everyday communication in Australia.
• Further English-language study.
• Preparation for academic study.
• Improved confidence when communicating in English.
• Communication in workplace or social environments.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The latest published information confirms that General English continues to be offered in 5-week blocks, with a possible study period of 5 to 52 weeks.

For 2026, nine published starting dates are available, from 5 January through 9 November.

Students should note that General English and English for Academic Purposes are different programmes. EAP is specifically designed for academic preparation, while General English focuses primarily on practical everyday English.

If the objective is progression to a Murdoch College academic programme, students should check whether General English or EAP is the appropriate pathway for their individual English level and intended course.

International Student Visa Requirements

General English is a CRICOS-registered ELICOS programme, so international students studying in Australia may require a Student visa (subclass 500), depending on their circumstances and course duration.

For a Student visa, the Australian Department of Home Affairs requires, among other things:

• Enrolment in an eligible registered course.
• A valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
• Appropriate Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
• Satisfaction of the Genuine Student requirement.
• Meeting applicable health and character requirements.
• Meeting financial-capacity requirements where requested.
• A valid passport.
• Compliance with all visa conditions